Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform > CAN ~ Collective Action Network

Salem for youth ranch

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Ursus:
The following is posted on Ginger's behalf, as per request, due to current less than optimal cell phone functionality...


--- Quote from: "Antigen" ---·
Suicide is relatively painless

Dear Mr. Bartels,
Please consider for publication.

I am a survivor of abuse in the troubled teen industry. For over 10 years, a growing number of survivors have worked hard to bring this important issue before the public.

As such, I appreciate your anguish over whether to use that painful word. And I laud you for giving the question due consideration. I'm also glad you decided to use it.

As painful as it surely is for all who knew and loved this young man, (and they have my deepest condolences) he must have been in intolerable, inescapable pain himself. What were the causes?

Your initial article on the tragic death of young Ben Lolly has come to our attention because the parents have asked that donations be sent in lieu of flowers to Salem For Youth Ranch.

At first blush, this appears to be yet another abusive tough love program for teens. Well intended, I'm sure. They all are. But abusive & destructive none the less.

Suicide rates among program survivors are hard to track. Most reporters won't report them. But estimates based on independent research, may be as high as 100 times the national average; comparable to places like Cuba & the Baltic states.

Painful as it is for all of us, this needs to be investigated, not hidden. Ben is survived by two siblings. I pray that their parents don't try to "help" them the same way.

Sincerely,

Ginger McNulty
< address redacted >
< telephone # redacted >
--- End quote ---

Pile of Dead Kids:
Their website is one of the more disturbing things I've ever read, and that's saying a lot.

Their FAQ doesn't say shit. There's no detailed information on how the kids are treated. There's "you will not be able to talk to him for six weeks". You'd have to be completely out of your shit to send a kid here based on what they're telling you.

Ursus:

--- Quote from: "Pile of Dead Kids" ---Their website is one of the more disturbing things I've ever read, and that's saying a lot.

Their FAQ doesn't say shit. There's no detailed information on how the kids are treated. There's "you will not be able to talk to him for six weeks". You'd have to be completely out of your shit to send a kid here based on what they're telling you.
--- End quote ---
Yep. I was actually right on their FAQ page (on another Tab) when I read your post. From that page:

Through what organization is your education program accredited?
We are affiliated with the National Association of Street Schools. Additionally, we are certified by the Illinois State Board of Education.[/list]

The National Association of Street Schools is actually an Evangelical organization of sorts with a ministry of educating at-risk youth and the homeless and disenfranchised. Noble aims to be sure, but apparently certain elements of said practice, and/or the practices of certain member schools, may possibly go to some unhealthy extremes for some kids, from a psychological POV...

Ursus:
There's also an obituary on Legacy.com, attached to the Peoria Journal Star. This one has a pic and a Guest Book attached...

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

Obituary
Benjamin Lolley



EUREKA - Benjamin James Lolley, 16, of Eureka, Ill., passed away at 5:23 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, in Eureka, Ill.

He was born Dec. 9, 1994, in Stillwater, Okla., a son of Jim and Dianne Michelle Bates Lolley. Surviving are his mother, Michelle Lolley of Eureka, Ill.; two sisters, Nikki (Ben) Chew and Chelsea Lolley, both of Eureka, Ill.; paternal grandparents, Bob and Leonia Lolley of Valdosta, Ga.; and maternal grandmother, Virginia Lowry of Perkins, Okla.

He was preceded in death by his father and his maternal grandfather, Roy Arthur Bates.

Ben was a student at Salem Ranch in Flanagan, Ill., where he was just a few weeks short of graduating from high school.

He enjoyed horseback riding, training horses, fishing, weight lifting and various sports.

A celebration of life service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, at the Eureka Nazarene Church. The Rev. Nathan Thomas will officiate. There will be no visitation.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and burial of ashes will be with his father in Perkins Cemetery in Perkins, Okla., at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salem 4 Youth Ranch in Flanagan, Ill..

Online condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.

Published in Peoria Journal Star on August 31, 2011


© Copyright 1999-2011 Legacy.com

Ursus:
Entries left for Ben Lolley's Guest Book (attached to the above obit):


August 31, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss, and pray that God will grant you peace and comfort
~ Lori Martin, Goodfield, Illinois[/list][/list]
August 31, 2011
We are truly sorry for your loss may god lift you up during this difficult time.
~ wilson family, eureka, Illinois[/list][/list]
August 31, 2011
Dear Lolley Family,

I just heard about your tragic loss and am praying for you. I know your faith has been tested to the limit the past several years and hope the Lord brings you safely through.

We were members together with you in the Kankakee Homeschool group years ago. Kaasi (Richmond) and Nikki still stay in occasional contact with one another.

The Mike and Roxanne Keen Family
~ Roxanne Keen, Momence, Illinois[/list][/list]
August 31, 2011
We are praying for you and are so sorry for your loss.May God be ever near your side now and in the coming days.
~ Lori Leman, Eureka, Illinois[/list][/list]
August 31, 2011
Our prayers go out to you and yours. Praying for God's strength and peace for you.
~ Terry Ryan (kche), Bourbonnais, Illinois[/list][/list]
September 01, 2011
My heart was heavy when I heard the news at church on Sunday. Grace Church of Morton prayed for your family, and the work at Salem Ranch to continue. My half brother, Kelly Guard, was there at Salem with Ben. I am so sorry for your loss. Be comforted in knowing that he heard the Good News of Salvation many times while at the ranch.
~ Ellen Lorentz, Morton, Illinois[/list][/list]


©2011 Legacy.com.

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